Kevin Finn, Designer, TheSumOf
There is wisdom in learning ...
From starting out his career in Dublin working with the studio that produces design material for U2, to relocating to Sydney as the joint creative director for Saatchi Design, Kevin Finn has many an impressive notch on his career ladder. Branching out on his own in 2007, Kevin established independent design studio Finn Creative, where he has continued to create graphic works for clients (including SBS and Brisbane Festival), while also publishing design culture journal Open Manifesto and founding DESIGNerd – trivia games for the design enthusiast. By renaming his design studio ‘TheSumOf’ this week, Kevin is acknowledging all the elements that come together under his practice’s banner, as well as the collaboration with peers, suppliers and clients that goes into each unique project. The Weekend Edition caught up with this Brisbane-based entrepreneur, embracer of risks and true ideas engineer to chat weekend essentials.
How do you like to start your weekend?
Early in the morning with my one-year-old boy.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Saturday morning?
Family time.
How do you like to unwind?
Cinema, massage or reading.
What are your essentials for a well-spent weekend?
Some rest, some family time and, most likely, some chocolate.
What’s something you’ve been meaning to do on the weekend but haven’t got around to yet?
Going to the gym.
What’s your favourite thing to do on a Sunday evening?
A meal at home with my wife and watching a DVD series.
What are you looking forward to next weekend?
Now that I think of it … going to the gym.
What are you reading at the moment?
You’ve caught me between books. I’ve just finished reading Heston Blumenthal’s biography and I’m about to read Banksy: The Man Behind The Wall, which will be followed by The Drought by J. G. Ballard.
What inspires you?
It might sound corny, but I’m genuinely inspired by life, learning and nature.
What was your childhood dream?
I think I had many – from being a fire-engine driver to being a garbage collector through to being a farmer or a vet. I also liked drawing …
What has been your greatest achievement?
Fortunately, there have been many highlights, including rebranding SBS while based in remote Kununurra. But I am particularly proud of founding my independent design journal Open Manifesto, because it has given me access to some of the most interesting people on the planet.
What is success to you?
Happiness … and financial security.
What are your words of wisdom?
“Life is short, but wide” – these aren’t my words, but I try to live by them. My words are – there is wisdom in learning.
Only a local would know that … if you arrive early, you’ll avoid the queue.
FAVOURITE WEEKEND SPOT TO:
Perk up … A walk along the riverside at Teneriffe and New Farm
Relax … At home
Dine … Mizu, New Farm
Indulge … Stephanies Spa Retreat (Sofitel) or the Thai Foot Massage (James Street)
Shop … Randomly
Catch-up … Brisbane Powerhouse Markets
Be inspired … I love Paul Smith’s quote: “You can find inspiration in everything* (*and if you can’t, look again).”
DID YOU KNOW?
Kevin Finn will be appearing as a guest speaker at Creative3 in September.